Editor, Webmaster: Phil Cartwright Editor@earlyjas.org
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| Earlville Association for Ragtime Lovers Yearning for Jazz Advancement and Socialization |
EARLYJAS
geezer jazz musicians (like me!). The EARLYJAS club here in NE Ohio has not been particularly
successful in recruiting and supporting budding traditional jazz musicians in spite of the
availability of a club sponsored scholarship program. There are some efforts to encourage young
jazz musicians (and young fans) especially in parts of California, the Washington DC area, and in
New Orleans. A recent issue of the EARLYJAS Rag had a nice article pointing to the resurgence
of swing dancing and its attractiveness to younger musicians and fans. There is also some
overlap with the folk music world.
At a recent EARLYJAS jam session, musicians and fans alike were astonished and awed by the
talent of an 18 year old high school senior. Joe Lautzenheiser arrived and sat in on violin. He
played every tune as if he had written it. Great ear, great tone and he really knew what he was
doing. Who is this young guy and how did he start playing traditional jazz? Much of his success
is due to his mentor, Ron Benach, who has coached him and helped him develop a unique style
and sense of the music.
Joe heard about the Massillon Public Library jazz session a few years ago. The first night he
attended, he didn't play anything, but he did meet Ron Benach. Ron told him what book to get,
who to listen to, and how to play. Teaching him theory and musicianship, Ron is responsible for
his introduction to all things fun and improvisational. While taking lessons from Ron, he also
studied a few classical pieces with his cousin, Ashley Bullach, who graduated from Anderson
University.
Joe has competed in oldtime fiddling contests since his second year of playing. He played in the
Canton Youth Symphony for three seasons. He plays solo jobs and accompany a couple area
folk/bluegrass groups. He also gives fiddle, mandolin, and guitar lessons. In his own words:
“Finally, I enjoy playing jazz with you older fellas!”
He finds himself leaning more heavily toward swing and jazz. Simply, swing and jazz is high-
quality music. Oldtime fiddling initially lured him to the violin--and taught him how to play the
instrument. He greatly enjoys oldtime fiddling, specifically Texas-style fiddling. Texas-style also
is the predominate contesting style. He has the distinction of winning the Ohio State Oldtime
Fiddling Championship in 2011.Last summer, Joe and two friends drove to Idaho for the National
Oldtime Fiddlers' Contests, where he placed 10th out of 62 in the junior division.
Recently, he has been listening to a lot of classical music, especially Bach. “Filled with genius,
Bach's music nearly transfixes me. Anyhow, although jazz and classical music is what currently
rests on my music stand, I plan to continue to hone my skill in a diverse range of musical styles.”
Currently, Joe is a homeschooled senior. In his own words: “Had I been locked in an
institutionalized building, there is no way I would have developed into the musician I currently
am. Although I am considering college, I do not plan on majoring in music. I know that I am able
to happily develop as a musician without expending all my money at a music school. Yet, if I do
continue to college, I am not sure of what I would major in. Besides music studies, I enjoy
growing food, writing, history, and speech and debate. Actually, I plan on delaying graduation
from high school this year so that I may compete in another year of speech and debate. So
although I do not know exactly what I would major in, I do know what I enjoy.”
Besides music, he races bicycles on the road and through the woods. Cycling keeps him athletic,
acts as a great stress reliever, and provides a great pool of friends. Because of cycling, he is also
more serious about the food he eats. Over the past few years his family has raised veggies, hay,
beef, chickens, and whatever else interests us. In other words, he enjoys working around a farm.
We are delighted to welcome such a young talented musician in to our EARLYJAS family!
successful in recruiting and supporting budding traditional jazz musicians in spite of the
availability of a club sponsored scholarship program. There are some efforts to encourage young
jazz musicians (and young fans) especially in parts of California, the Washington DC area, and in
New Orleans. A recent issue of the EARLYJAS Rag had a nice article pointing to the resurgence
of swing dancing and its attractiveness to younger musicians and fans. There is also some
overlap with the folk music world.
At a recent EARLYJAS jam session, musicians and fans alike were astonished and awed by the
talent of an 18 year old high school senior. Joe Lautzenheiser arrived and sat in on violin. He
played every tune as if he had written it. Great ear, great tone and he really knew what he was
doing. Who is this young guy and how did he start playing traditional jazz? Much of his success
is due to his mentor, Ron Benach, who has coached him and helped him develop a unique style
and sense of the music.
Joe heard about the Massillon Public Library jazz session a few years ago. The first night he
attended, he didn't play anything, but he did meet Ron Benach. Ron told him what book to get,
who to listen to, and how to play. Teaching him theory and musicianship, Ron is responsible for
his introduction to all things fun and improvisational. While taking lessons from Ron, he also
studied a few classical pieces with his cousin, Ashley Bullach, who graduated from Anderson
University.
Joe has competed in oldtime fiddling contests since his second year of playing. He played in the
Canton Youth Symphony for three seasons. He plays solo jobs and accompany a couple area
folk/bluegrass groups. He also gives fiddle, mandolin, and guitar lessons. In his own words:
“Finally, I enjoy playing jazz with you older fellas!”
He finds himself leaning more heavily toward swing and jazz. Simply, swing and jazz is high-
quality music. Oldtime fiddling initially lured him to the violin--and taught him how to play the
instrument. He greatly enjoys oldtime fiddling, specifically Texas-style fiddling. Texas-style also
is the predominate contesting style. He has the distinction of winning the Ohio State Oldtime
Fiddling Championship in 2011.Last summer, Joe and two friends drove to Idaho for the National
Oldtime Fiddlers' Contests, where he placed 10th out of 62 in the junior division.
Recently, he has been listening to a lot of classical music, especially Bach. “Filled with genius,
Bach's music nearly transfixes me. Anyhow, although jazz and classical music is what currently
rests on my music stand, I plan to continue to hone my skill in a diverse range of musical styles.”
Currently, Joe is a homeschooled senior. In his own words: “Had I been locked in an
institutionalized building, there is no way I would have developed into the musician I currently
am. Although I am considering college, I do not plan on majoring in music. I know that I am able
to happily develop as a musician without expending all my money at a music school. Yet, if I do
continue to college, I am not sure of what I would major in. Besides music studies, I enjoy
growing food, writing, history, and speech and debate. Actually, I plan on delaying graduation
from high school this year so that I may compete in another year of speech and debate. So
although I do not know exactly what I would major in, I do know what I enjoy.”
Besides music, he races bicycles on the road and through the woods. Cycling keeps him athletic,
acts as a great stress reliever, and provides a great pool of friends. Because of cycling, he is also
more serious about the food he eats. Over the past few years his family has raised veggies, hay,
beef, chickens, and whatever else interests us. In other words, he enjoys working around a farm.
We are delighted to welcome such a young talented musician in to our EARLYJAS family!
